-An early classic of espionage fiction. Through the cafEs, trains and nighttime cities of Europe, Charles Latimer follows a twisting trail of drug-smugglers, thieves and assassins that will lead him to Dimitrios. Download and start listening now!

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Listener Opinions

Linda B | 2/8/2014

" This book was excellent in so many ways. It had a perfect balance of mystery, humor, and suspense. I looooved the whole "crime novelist caught in a mystery" plot, and found that Latimer was just a marvelous main character. He cracked me up, but the humor was subtle and evenhanded. The story takes your all over the Balkans, and ends in central Europe. While I was reading the book, all I could think of was that Eric Ambler created such a marvelously composed novel. Amazingly enough, even though it was written in 1939, it is not dated at all. It's a good read! "

Peregrina651 | 1/29/2014

" Loved it! Could not turn it off. Great narrator. "

Jen | 1/24/2014

" I read this over and over. I started it again on the train this morning. So classic. I always forget the little twists and turns and so I'm thrilled anew each time. "

J. | 1/21/2014

" a true classic of the genre'. "

Bayneeta | 1/16/2014

" This started slowly for me and was very confusing with middle-eastern and eastern-European names and places. But it picked up speed and by the end I was completely involved and really liked it. "

Big Bill | 1/16/2014

" One of my favorite spy/detective novels, set in the 1930s. I have read almost all of Amblers stories. "

Sean | 1/6/2014

" Classic spy thriller. The professional criminal, Dimitrios, and the circumstances of his mysterious death will enthrall you. One of the best espionage/murder mystery plots I have read. "

Paul | 11/14/2013

" A game changer, a classic, a delight. "

Dan Piette | 11/8/2013

" Good mystery set in (and written in ) 1939 "

Daniel Cowles | 10/17/2013

" i give every book i read 4 stars ... why stop now "

Andrew Scott | 4/9/2013

" A "Chocolate Chip Cookie" of a book. You savor every morsel every chip and, though the last is no more exquisite than the first, you're sorry when it comes to its end. "

" Not just your average detective story! Told with wit, intrigue and intelligence as well as a tantalising twist. Perfect for a quick read. "

Jo Marie | 7/14/2012

" Interesting story although a bit confusing - too many trips to too many countries - and no real hero nor much action. "

Doug | 7/5/2012

" This was a really fun read that was recommended to me by an old college friend. An old-school espionage thriller set in earlty 20th century Europe, this book has great characters and fantastic plot twists. It's kind of like reading an old Peter Lorre movie. Very well done. "

Cera | 7/4/2012

" A very well done mystery novel from the late 30s! I saw the twist coming, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment, which was as much from the intelligent, cynical writing as from the mystery itself. "

Debbie | 9/14/2011

" At first too confusing but then it comes together and sets a mood of a troubled Eastern Europe. "

Dan | 4/27/2011

" Good mystery set in (and written in ) 1939
"

Doug | 4/18/2011

" This was a really fun read that was recommended to me by an old college friend. An old-school espionage thriller set in earlty 20th century Europe, this book has great characters and fantastic plot twists. It's kind of like reading an old Peter Lorre movie. Very well done.
"

J | 3/14/2011

" On or about pg. 208. I've stopped reading; this book is work. Am I missing something? I just don't find the style, the characters, or the plot very compelling, or interesting even.

"

Skrbina21 | 2/7/2011

" ambler at his finest......this is where fleming and Ludlum hatched their ideas.....
"

Daniel | 12/6/2010

" i give every book i read 4 stars ... why stop now
"

Carey | 10/9/2010

" My least favourite of his so far - but he writes so evocatively of a vanished time and place he's hard to put down
"

Erin | 9/4/2010

" Classic and wonderful. This book makes me realize that my reading list is far too short if I can read this timeless book and enjoy it so much.
"

Other Titles by Eric Ambler:

About the Author

Eric Ambler (1909–1998) graduated from London University and established himself as a writer with five classic novels of intrigue published between 1937 and 1940: Background to Danger, Epitaph for a Spy, Cause for Alarm, A Coffin for Dimitrios, and Journey into Fear. During World War II he served in the British Army and was discharged as a lieutenant colonel. He wrote and produced a number of motion pictures and was nominated for an Academy Award for his screenplay of Nicholas Monsarrat’s The Cruel Sea. He then returned to writing novels, many of which became New York Times bestsellers. He is widely considered the father of spy-espionage thrillers.

About the Narrator

Alexander Spencer was born on July 31, 1946 in Cambuslang, Strathclyde, Scotland. He is an actor, known for The Soldier (1982).

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